Do it in this order
- Plates: in most states, plates stay with the seller. Take them off before the truck leaves.
- Release of liability / notice of sale: tells the state you no longer own the car. Many states let you do this online in minutes.
- Insurance: cancel only after the above, and in some states, only after you’ve surrendered the plates.
- Toll account and apps: remove the car from E-ZPass/FasTrak/TxTag accounts and connected-car apps.
State-by-state notes
| State | What to file | Plates |
|---|---|---|
| California | Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) within 5 days. Free online at the DMV. | Generally stay with the car in California. |
| Texas | Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346) within 30 days, online or by mail. | Seller may remove and keep them. |
| Florida | Notice of Sale (HSMV 82050). | Remove the plate; it stays with you. |
| New York | Surrender plates to the DMV and keep the FS-6T receipt. | Surrender before cancelling insurance: an insurance lapse on registered plates can lead to fines and suspension. |
Not listed? Search your DMV’s site for “release of liability” or “notice of sale”. See also our rules by state pages.
Why it matters
If the buyer (or whoever they sell to) racks up parking tickets, red-light camera fines or tolls before re-titling, the notices go to the registered owner on file. Filing promptly is your proof that the car was out of your hands.
Questions
When should I cancel my insurance?
After the car is picked up and you’ve filed your release of liability, and in New York, after surrendering the plates. Cancelling early can leave you uninsured while the car is still legally yours.
Do I get a refund on registration?
Some states refund unused registration or let you transfer plates to your next car. Check with your DMV when you file.
- California DMV REG 138: qr.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/06/reg138.pdf
- Texas DMV: buying or selling a vehicle: www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle
- FLHSMV: selling a vehicle: www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/consumer-education/selling-vehicle-florida/
- NY DMV: surrender plates: dmv.ny.gov/registration/temporary-surrender-of-vehicle-plates-and-registration-store-plates-for-a-season
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with your state DMV before you sign.